Super Eagles captain William Troost-Ekong has opened up about Nigeria’s heartbreaking penalty shootout loss to DR Congo on Sunday, revealing that he would have stepped up to take one of the penalties if he had remained on the pitch.
Nigeria’s hopes of qualifying for the 2026 FIFA World Cup came to a painful halt after a tense playoff battle that ended in a dramatic shootout. The defeat left the squad, coaching crew, and millions of fans gutted, with emotions running high both on and off the field.
Speaking after the match, Troost-Ekong admitted the loss hit the team hard. But in true leadership spirit, he praised the players for their resilience throughout the long qualification journey.
“We’re devastated as a team. I’m really proud of the boys. These are moments full of emotion. The boys gave it everything,” he said, reflecting on the grueling months leading up to the playoff.
“It’s not just this game, but the games before, the last 10 months. We went out fighting. It wasn’t good enough today, but there’s still so much positive to take from here. There is AFCON around the corner. This experience will make these players better, and if they face that situation again, they’ll be more ready.”
Troost-Ekong also highlighted the importance of the experience gained by younger players who stepped up in crucial moments. According to him, the setback could become fuel for a stronger team in the years ahead, especially as Nigeria prepares to rebuild for future tournaments, including the next World Cup cycle.
Speaking on the decisive penalty shootout, he praised goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali for his bravery and composure under pressure.
“Credit to Stanley, he was amazing and made great saves. It takes big character to stand up and take that moment for your country,” he said.
Addressing whether he wished he had been involved in the shootout, the 32-year-old captain remained calm and reflective.
“I wasn’t frustrated. I just wanted to win anyhow. My role is to support the team, on and off the pitch. Of course, if I would have been on the pitch, I would have taken one, but it was also time for the other boys to get that experience,” he explained.
“This was a chance for other boys to gain experience, and it will serve them well in their careers and for Nigerian football. They stepped up, and they will learn from this moment. Next time, they’ll be better prepared and hopefully make the difference.”
With the World Cup dream over, the Super Eagles will now shift their focus to the next major challenge — the 2026 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), scheduled to take place between December 2025 and January 2026 in Morocco.
Despite the disappointment, Troost-Ekong remains confident that the team’s future is bright and that the players will bounce back stronger.